Arts & Culture
Unraveling the Perfectionism of Christmas, Ballet, and ‘The Nutcracker’
I aged out of leotards and ballet—not perfectionism. But tight buns suck. And so do tightly scripted holidays.
Listening to Ariana Grande’s “fake smile” and Holding onto My Teacher Persona
In her rejection of performing happiness, Grande invokes gratitude for the impact she’s made on others. I have to believe the same.
A Migrant’s Fashion Manifesto
It is a sin against myself to be anonymous.
Wednesday Addams Is the Ultimate Outcast
Wednesday Addams does not want to play with you.
Rihanna and the Legacy of Liberated Caribbean Women
I wanted to be loud, wild, and sexually liberated like them. I just didn’t know how.
TV Recaps Taught Me How to Write Criticism
They provided a blueprint by showing the critical apparatus in a container transparent enough that I could see the inner workings.
Playing ‘Tunic’ Reminds Me How to Approach Sickness and Recovery
Like the Fox in the video game ‘Tunic,’ remembering the past helped me face my struggles in the present with Covid.
Chris Farley Taught Me to Laugh and to Grieve
Only now, with my adult eyes, am I able to perceive the pathos in his performances and the potential he never had the chance to fulfill.
Why Pop Culture Loves the Toxic Drama Teacher Trope
There is a great tradition of depicting the archetype of the unbridled, emotionally exploitative acting teacher.
How the Pokémon Soundtracks Unlock a Unique Form of Nostalgia
And as we push forward into the new Paldea region in the games Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the music will continue to capture attention.